Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.

Sounders Play Full 90 or Full 9 Innings In May? Sounders at Fire Saturday

On Saturday, Sounders FC travel south of Chicago to Bridgeview, Illinois to face the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park. 5:30 PST.

This is a rematch of last October’s 2-nil US Open Cup match in Seattle. The Sounders third consecutive US Open Cup. Sounders hold a successful 3-W, 0-L, 3-D record vs Chi-town.

Sweet Lou, can you hear me now?

I don’t imagine Seattle Mariners former manager, Lou Piniella will be available to help Sigi Schmid figure out the Sounders upcoming rotation for their spit-tight May schedule. But I don’t think Sweet Lou’s dry-wisdom on the matter would get overlooked either.

Me: Lou, with numerous matches coming up, and players having little recovery time, how do you decide who to bring up and use in your rotation? Especially with some guys just coming back from injury and others still recovering?

Sweet Lou Piniella: “Whoever the organization wants to bring up is fine with me,”

Sigi’s rotation options show more promise than Sweet Lou’s “whoever” answer. Mauro Rosales is likely to start Saturday. Adding a more dangerous attacking element to the Sounders goal-slacking offense. Adam Johansson may also be available for a short stint from the bench.

Since Sounders FC’s 2009 inaugural season they have built a deep and talented bench. That depth and talent will be thoroughly tested in May’s matches.

With the first five matches of their 2011 schedule completed, the Sounders have a 3-W, 1-L, 1-D record. Ten points in five games, averaging two points per match is a good start. (3 pts per win, 1 pt per draw)

Through those first five matches the Sounders have used 19 starters. They will certainly add to that total in May. Likely within the next five matches over a compact 14 day stretch.

Here are the fast and furious five upcoming matches from Saturday, April 28th to Saturday, May 12th.

One week later, Sounders travel across the northern border for their first Cascadia rivalry match of 2012 with the Vancouver White Caps.

You see. It’s really not me. That schedule reads more like a MLB Manager’s rotation for a starter or closer than a MLS Soccer schedule. Sweet Sigi, what’s your rotation?

Winning expectations are high for the Sounders in 2012. Injuries always test a teams resiliency and ability to adapt and find ways to win. Last August the Sounders made a strong playoff push with an outstanding 7-W, 0-L, 1-D record. So, there is precedent for the Sounders stepping up when it counts in their short MLS history.

The Fire through five matches have 8 pts. With a 2-W, 1-L, 2-D record.

While the Sounders will feature faces coming back from injury, Chicago will feature newly acquired Forward, Chris Rolfe. Rolfe previously played for Chicago from 2005-2009. He left in ’09 for Danish club, Aalborg BK. He will strengthen their already potent attack with Marco Pappa, Patrick Nyarko, and Dominic Oduro.

Sounders defense will have their hands full. The potent midfield pairing of Brad Evans and Osvaldo Alonso will again be heavily relied upon to disrupt Chicago’s attack, and push the ball through the midfield to Mauro Rosales. The Sounders will count heavily on Rosales to assist in finding the scoring touch for Eddie Johnson, Fredy Montero, or David Estrada. Who have all been silent for the Sounders the last few matches.

Sweet Sigi should be able to find a rotation from the depth of his talented Sounders bench. Their aim over the next five matches should be to put up no less than 9 pts from 15 possible. If Sigi can’t find players in his rotation to close 9 pts from 15, then someone may need to buzz Piniella to find a closer from the bullpen.

More Sweet Lou – Who isn’t nostalgic for a little Lou in Summer? Those entertaining post-game comments to send you to sleep.

Saturday’s match with Chicago Fire is the Sounders 100th since the inaugural match, March 19th, 2009. Amassing a 47-W, 25-L, 27-D record, including 3 consecutive Lamar Hunt US Open Cup titles. The only club with a better record through its first 100 matches is none other than the Chicago Fire. Going 52-W, 30-L, 18-D. Including an inaugural season MLS Cup and US Open Cup title in 1998. They have won 3 more US Open Cup since ’98.

Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate.

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Simon MoyseBorn in London, Simon joined the Emerald City Supporters after he moved to Snohomish in 2004. He watches games with his son Elliott.